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Shoppers across Canada flocked to the malls for Boxing Day bargain madness, except here in Atlantic Canada.

In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador, nearly all retail stores are restricted from opening their doors until Dec. 27.

But there are a few exceptions in Nova Scotia including booksellers and pharmacies.

Shopper Bridget Howling was one of the first through the doors at Chapters in Halifax's Bayers Lake.

"I had to come down, otherwise everything will be gone by tomorrow," she said.

Chapters is one of the few retailers open on Dec. 26. (Carolyn Ray/CBC)

Souvenir shops and used clothing stores are also allowed to open their doors.

While the parking lot at Chapters quickly filled up, many of the Boxing Day shoppers told CBC News they were generally opposed to shopping the day after Christmas.

Rachel Morgan said she needed to grab a few essentials for an upcoming trip.

"I think Christmas just happened," she said. "I think people can wait a couple days."

Katelyn Jacket is one of the few reporting for work, but she said she doesn't mind working the holiday.

"I'm from Ontario originally," said Jacket, "And Boxing Day back home is huge on the 26th so it's a little strange today that a lot of stores aren't open, but you know a lot of people are still spending it with their families."

Though retailers may be quiet on Boxing Day, many will be open early for day-after-Boxing-Day sales Thursday morning.